Fire Department · Career
Milwaukee Fire Department
Milwaukee, WI · Milwaukee County
“Courage, Integrity and Honor”
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Established on January 1, 1875, the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) serves a city of about 595,000 people spread across more than 95 square miles on the shore of Lake Michigan. More than 700 firefighters staff the department, and many serve simultaneously as paramedics delivering both basic (BLS) and advanced (ALS) life support.
Day-to-day operations run out of 29 fire stations housing 29 engine companies, 8 truck companies, 12 paramedic units, and 6 battalions, backed by 2 heavy rescue units, a dive rescue unit, and the Trident fireboat. More than 250 firefighting personnel are on duty across the city on any given day.
Beyond fire suppression and EMS, MFD fields a Special Operations Division of specialized teams: a Dive/water rescue team (founded in 1961) trained in swift water, ice, and submerged-vehicle rescue; a Tier 1 HazMat team covering the southern half of Wisconsin; and the Heavy Urban Rescue Team (HURT) handling confined space, trench, structural collapse, and rope rescue.
MissionWe will be responsive to the needs of our citizens by providing rapid and professional humanitarian services essential to the health, safety, and well-being of the city.
Milwaukee firefighter hiring is administered through the City of Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission (FPC). Candidates apply during open recruitment windows and move through a written test, oral interview, physical ability assessment, and background investigation, with a failure at any stage ending the process. New hires enter a recruit training academy and must maintain Wisconsin EMT licensure.
Applications are not open continuously. As of the latest information, firefighter applications were not open; prospective candidates can text the recruitment team at 414-519-6190 to ask questions and be notified when positions post.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age by the application deadline
- High school diploma or Wisconsin GED (or an equivalent out-of-state GED meeting Wisconsin standards)
- Valid driver's license at time of background investigation; must obtain a Wisconsin driver license within 6 months of appointment
- Must maintain licensure as a Wisconsin EMT
- Must successfully complete a 16-month probationary period
Hiring process
- Submit application during an open recruitment window
- Written examination
- Oral interview
- Physical ability assessment
- Background investigation
- Recruit training academy
Benefits
Generous city benefits package including 12 vacation days, 11 paid holidays, and 12 paid sick days per year; health, dental, and life insurance; and tuition and textbook reimbursement.
New firefighters complete a recruit training academy and a 16-month probationary period; Wisconsin EMT licensure is required.
What are the basic requirements to become a Milwaukee firefighter?
You must be at least 18 by the application deadline, have a high school diploma or Wisconsin GED, hold a valid driver's license (and obtain a Wisconsin license within 6 months of appointment), and maintain licensure as a Wisconsin EMT.
How much does a Milwaukee firefighter earn?
Recruits start at $40,751.73 per year, which rises to $54,335.72 upon graduating the academy and increases to a maximum of $90,431.36.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighters work one 24-hour shift every three days.
Do I need to be an EMT to apply?
Yes. Firefighters must obtain and maintain licensure as a Wisconsin EMT.
What does the hiring process involve?
The selection process includes a written test, an oral interview, a physical ability assessment, and a background investigation; failing any segment ends the process. New hires then complete a recruit academy and a 16-month probationary period.
Are applications open right now, and how can I get notified?
Firefighter applications are not open continuously and were not open as of the latest information. You can text the recruitment team at 414-519-6190 to ask questions and learn when positions post.